Assuming you mean, running an A/C off of an inverter whilst "running down the road", with the alternator putting the amps right back in... yes, you can do that with most 2000+w inverters. We regularly run our front rooftop unit off of our 2500w unit while underway. A big 24v alt and 4000w inverter could easily power TWO rooftop units, I'd think. And even a modest batt bank could handle the surges of these systems.

But, if you're talking about running an A/C unit off of an inverter while parked/ engine off... well, you'd need a huge battery bank and still wouldn't get much runtime. Such a draw would likely fair even worse than the amp-hour ratings math would tell you.

Yes it can. Typically you need at least a 2500 watt inverter (to be able to start the compressor). If the A/C pulls 1650 watts at 120vac, then at 12v it will be pulling 137 amps. Figure 85% effeciency and you're looking at closer to 160amp draw. If you consider a typical size 8D deep cycle at 220 amp hours and figuring you don't want to run the batteries down beyond 50% (for maximum battery life), you'll need 12 batteries for 8 hours. Or the math- 12 batteries times 220= 2640. Divide that by half for 50% discharge and you have 1320 amp hours. Divide 1320 by 160 amps per hour and you have 8.25 hours. Considering that 12 8D's (150lb each) will weigh 1800lb, in my opinion, it is better just to run the generator, and use just two 8D's for your miscellaneous lighting and lite duty inverter work. I believe the inverter should be considered a second power source for things like coffee maker, microwave, TV, Stereo, DVD, small heater,etc. Bigger loads like the A/C (which is the biggest loads) should be taken care of by the generator. Good Luck, TomC

Busnut83, you're only providing some of the information needed to give you an answer. From what you asked, here is what I can tell you.

The inverter has to be able the start the AC compressor; they vary by a factor of at least two.

Heating and cooling is a no-no on batteries because it is too inefficient of a method. Nevertheless, some people do it.

A full sized roof top AC will need, at a minimum, a 2500 VA inverter to start the AC. Better to go with 4000 VA for reliability and efficiency. The bus generator can power the inverter in this case. The SW4024 can run two ACs, just barely.

Six golf cart batteries will only cover about 2 hours if full charged; only about 1 1/3 hours while cycling. This means that job is better left to shore power or a generator.

The batteries will weigh 390 pounds; an auxiliary generator might use around 1/2 gal. per hour running two ACs.

A comparison of stored energy: a couple ounces of propane can displace a 65 pound battery.

I carry a couple of the cheapo oscillating fans that don't use much draw, and the batterries will run them all night easily, quietly. However I'm not sure how it would work in the desert. I have loud colemans that don't have a low speed either.

I know of a coach that was able to keep the bed room cool overnight using 8 golf cart batteries without pulling them below 50%.

I can run one AC all night and not go below 50%. That's on five Interstate 1850's (1000AH) and a Xantrex RS3000. Bill Glenn (space shuttle bus) can go all night and have 70% left. I think he also has an RS3000 with six Interstate L16's. With the right inverter and the right battery bank, it is easy to go all night with one AC. It's nice when traveling because the batterys get charged while driving all day, then at night you have all you need without running the genset.